Parental Feeding Practices and Child-Related Factors are Associated with Overweight and Obesity in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Shiang Yen EowWan Ying GanPoh Ying LimHamidin AwangZalilah Mohd ShariffPublished in: Journal of autism and developmental disorders (2021)
Atypical eating behaviors displayed by children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) predispose them to unhealthy weight gain. We determined the factors associated with body weight status among 261 children with ASD (3-18 years) at nine autism intervention centers. Their mothers completed a self-administered questionnaire on sociodemographic background, parenting style, parental feeding practices, parenting stress, sleep habits, eating behaviors, and autism severity. Children with older age, non-full term gestational age, high maternal perceived weight, high maternal concern about child weight, and low pressure to eat were more likely to be overweight and obese. Obesity is a major concern among children with ASD. Healthy weight management programs for parents should incorporate appropriate feeding practices and a healthy perception of body weight.
Keyphrases
- body weight
- weight gain
- birth weight
- autism spectrum disorder
- gestational age
- weight loss
- physical activity
- body mass index
- intellectual disability
- primary care
- young adults
- healthcare
- mental health
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- preterm birth
- randomized controlled trial
- public health
- metabolic syndrome
- type diabetes
- depressive symptoms
- insulin resistance
- preterm infants
- adipose tissue
- working memory
- pregnancy outcomes
- cross sectional